Yi Whan-woo is a Korea Times journalist primarily covering finance. He writes in-depth articles on macroeconomy and financial markets and previously covered sports, politics, diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs, among others. Feel free to contact him at yistory@koreatimes.co.kr.
New Hana Financial chairman visits wildfire-hit regions on 1st day of work
Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo, front row center, poses with firefighters in Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province, during his visit to the country's eastern coastal regions hit by wildfires earlier this month, Monday. Courtesy of Hana Financial Group
By Yi Whan-woo
By Yi Whan-woo
Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo has visited the country's eastern coastal areas that were hit recently by major wildfires in his first public activity after taking the helm of the banking group.
The company said Tuesday that Ham went to Gangneung, Uljin and other regions damaged by the wildfires on Monday, instead of heading to his office on his first day of work as chairman.
“I have been thinking about ways to help the regional communities that have suffered from the wildfires in addition to the tough economic conditions amid the ongoing pandemic,” Ham was quoted as saying by the banking group.
The company explained that Ham's visit was in line with his management principle of prioritizing “fieldwork activities,” after climbing from the bottom to his current top position over his 40-year career.
“The answer is always there in the field,” Ham said, adding that he will “pay more attention to listening to customers and reflecting their needs in management, so that the company can offer financial services in a practical manner.”
Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo, right, offers coffee to a firefighter during his visit to the country's eastern coastal regions hit by wildfires earlier this month, Monday. Courtesy of Hana Financial Group
During his tour of the disaster area, Monday, Ham took a look around the affected areas, met firefighters who were on the scene and offered them coffee and snacks.
“Ham conveyed his heartfelt respect and appreciation for the firefighters' life-or-death struggle,” the banking group said.
Ham spontaneously promised to provide financial support for firefighters nationwide, such as interest benefits when taking out loans from the group's affiliate, Hana Bank, and a free subscription to its insurance aimed at the safety and protection of firefighters.
Over 10,000 firefighters and 3,450 fire engines across the country were mobilized between March 4 and 13 as the wildfires swept the coastal areas of Gangwon and North Gyeongsang provinces.
The company additionally plans to deliver fireproof boots and other protective items worth 300 million won ($245,000) to 21 fire stations and firefighter training schools in and around the affected areas.
For the victims of the disaster as a rebuilding project, Hana Financial Group separately donated 1 billion won and 1,500 boxes of emergency supply kit items. Financially embattled small- and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) and self-employed people were also granted special loans worth 200 billion won in total.
Ham later met and encouraged employees and customers at the branch offices of the banking group's business arms in the disaster zones, including Hana Bank, Hana Financial Investment and Hana Insurance.
Ham won the approval of the shareholders ― the last step to becoming chairman ― on March 25, after being nominated for the post in early February.